The proposed theme park for the Swanscombe Peninsula has suffered another setback, with the company behind the plan now saying it will submit the planning application next year instead of this year.

A spokesman for the London Resort Company Holdings Ltd (LRCH) said the delay will not affect the proposed opening date of 2023, which was confirmed last year in a fourth change of date since plans were revealed.

Paramount Studios split from the project last year, but if plans go ahead, it is said that the entertainment resort will be the first of its kind in the UK, with themed rides, attractions and experiences as well as day and night shows and parades.

The company’s chief executive Humphrey Percy said a “pivotal gateway stage” has been reached in the application preparation.

He added: “It is fair to say that we did not sufficiently estimate the scope for unknown issues to impact our programme.

“One example of which has been the significant changes in the way in which we must assess the transport implications and consequent environmental impacts.” Mr Percy said that, to date, approximately £55m has been spent on the project, and that the pace of activity for has been varied.

He added that despite disappointments, LRCH cannot “shortcut proper process” in its assessments in order to meet deadlines.

He concluded: “We are very much looking forward to progressing further with the project this year with the intention of submitting our application in 2019.”

Following the announcement, Dartford MP Gareth Johnson said: “Dartford is losing patience with LRCH and its proposed theme park.

“This latest delay is just one in a series of postponements that has created uncertainty for the existing businesses on the Swanscombe Peninsula and makes LRCH look incapable of ever delivering this project.

“I have always felt the jobs that could come from a leisure facility on the peninsula would be very welcome but I have yet to see evidence of how the local area would cope with the extra people and vehicles it would bring.

“The concept of a theme park was initially welcomed by local people but this uncertainty is becoming intolerable.”

If you value what this story gives you, please consider supporting the Gravesend Reporter. Click the link in the yellow box below for details.

This newspaper has been a central part of community life for many years, through good times and bad, serving as your advocate and trusted source of local information. Our industry is facing testing times, which is why I’m asking for your support. Every single contribution will help us continue to produce award-winning local journalism that makes a measurable difference to our community.